 |
| Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between West Ham United FC and Sport-Club Freiburg at the Olympic Stadium on March 14, 2024 in London, England. |
West Ham could reportedly have Lucas Paqueta available for almost all of the 2024/25 season despite his betting charges.
Paqueta was charged with breaching the Football Association’s betting rules in May but the player denies any wrong doing.
The Brazilian is understood to have been accused of deliberately being booked during four Premier League matches.
Despite this, The Times have reported that Paqueta is able to still play for West Ham until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
The outlet’s sources have also said that the result could be delayed until ‘close to the end’ of the new season or even beyond.
West Ham are said to be confident that the 26-year-old will be able to feature for the club throughout the upcoming campaign.
Should Paqueta be found guilty of spot-fixing he could be set for a lengthy ban, potentially six months to a lifetime.
The attacking midfielder has proved key for the Hammers since he signed from Lyon in 2022 for an initial £36.5million.
He has made 84 appearances across all competitions since, scoring 13 goals and assisting another 14.
Paqueta made five goal contributions en route to West Ham’s victory in the Europa Conference League in the 2022/23 campaign.
Manchester City expressed their interest in signing him last summer, with former boss David Moyes revealing to talkSPORT that they made a bid.
Paqueta is also understood to have been keen on joining the Premier League champions but a move failed to materialise.
With the disciplinary process around his betting charges not set to be finalised in the short-term future, he is therefore set to return to the pitch for the new season.
Julen Lopetegui will take charge of the side having signed a two-year deal at West Ham following the departure of Moyes.
The Hammers have been active in the transfer market, first signing Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.
Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was their second arrival from Sheffield United before they signed centre-back Max Kilman from Wolves for £40million.
Football Flame understands West Ham are leading the race for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson and they are in advanced talks to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
Want to know more about livetscore check out our article
Share this content:
